Eric W. Sitarchuk

Partner

Eric W. Sitarchuk represents clients in government investigations and white-collar litigation. With 30 years of experience in this area, he represents clients in a wide variety of white-collar criminal matters, False Claims Act (FCA) and qui tam litigation, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other complex federal and state investigations. Working with boards of directors, audit committees, and corporate management, Eric has conducted numerous internal investigations, and advised on the creation and implementation of corporate compliance and ethics programs. He serves as chair of the firm’s white collar and corporate investigations practice.

In defending organizations and individuals during US government investigations, Eric has persuaded prosecutors to take no action and close investigations of Fortune 500 companies, large healthcare institutions, and prominent lawyers, executives, and public officials. He has tried numerous cases.

Eric also brings government service experience to his practice. He worked as an Assistant US Attorney in the Criminal Division of the US Attorney’s office in Philadelphia. He also served as a Special Assistant US Attorney in the US Attorney’s office in Washington, DC, where he led the criminal investigation of federal law enforcement’s handling of the standoff at Ruby Ridge, Idaho, and its repercussions.

Eric is a frequent lecturer on topics such as FCA litigation and international investigations.

Lead defense counsel in numerous False Claims Act and qui tam matters throughout the United States.

In healthcare matters, defended major pharmaceutical manufacturers, national pharmacy chains, hospital and integrated healthcare systems, a national drug wholesaler, health insurers and managed care organizations, and a national utilization management company, among others.

In government contract matters, defended major defense contractors, aerospace manufacturers, shipping and logistics firms, and other suppliers of goods and services to the government.

Represented a large number of healthcare providers and government contractors in False Claims Act investigations where the government elected not to intervene or where the investigations were otherwise declined without civil or criminal charges.

Prepared and submitted one of the first voluntary disclosures to the government by a defense contractor, a disclosure that helped form the basis for the Defense Industry Initiative and the Department of Defense Voluntary Disclosure Program.

Handled a number of suspension and debarment proceedings on behalf of several defense contractors.

Antitrust

Obtained a declination of prosecution for several major chemical companies in connection with investigations of alleged price-fixing.

Obtained a declination of prosecution for a national newspaper and magazine distributor in connection with an investigation of alleged market allocation.

Defended investigations of alleged bid-rigging in various industries, including the municipal finance industry.

Securities Fraud

Represented a major pharmacy and retail chain in connection with criminal and civil investigations arising from a financial statement fraud scheme alleged to have been in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Assisted the company in cooperating with the Justice Department’s investigation and prosecution of the company’s former executives. This cooperation resulted in a decision by the US Attorney not to pursue any criminal or civil charges against the company.

Represented the CEO of YBM Corporation in connection with what was alleged to have been the largest securities fraud case involving a Canadian stock exchange.

Defended a prominent Houston real estate agent who was involved in one of the first “off the books” Enron partnerships as part of the Enron investigation. Obtained immunity for the client and dismissal of the civil litigation against her.

Represented a number of clients under investigation for alleged insider trading.

Official Corruption

Represented the Mayor of Philadelphia in the context of a wide-ranging investigation of alleged municipal corruption. No charges were brought against the mayor.

Defended the CFO of a multinational corporation in connection with an alleged scheme to make illegal campaign contributions. No charges were filed against the client.

Represented an Environmental Protection Agency official alleged to have received illegal pay­offs. Prosecution of the client was declined.

Represented a number of other present and former government officials.

Tax

Defended the owners of a supermarket chain charged with various federal tax evasion matters.

Defended the owner of an electrical contracting business charged with federal payroll tax violations and tax evasion.